Description

Mediation continues to be a successful method for resolving labor disputes for public sector employees in California.

The CPER Guide discusses the various aspects of the mediation process as it applies to public agencies and employees throughout the state. Because the process differs among public employees depending on the governing statute, this guide outlines those differences and explains how the process typically works.

Useful for both the beginning practitioner and the seasoned professional, the guide covers the types of mediation, levels of involvement, and the importance of confidentiality. Included are the relevant statutory language of each act, pertinent cases, selected references, and a glossary of terms.

Pocket guide author Jerry Fecher is the presiding conciliator of the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service, and has been with SMCS since 2009. He has mediated numerous contract negotiation impasses and grievances under all of the state public sector statutes, and has supervised representation, decertification, and agency shop elections for public sector employees.

Table of Contents

Contents

I. Introduction

1

A. The Importance and History of Mediation

1

B. Types of Involvement

3

II. Confidentiality

4

III. Contract Mediation

5

A. The Process

5

B. Contract Mediation Under EERA/HEERA

7

C. Contract Mediation Under the MMBA

8

D. Contract Mediation Under the Dills Act

9

E. Contract Mediation for State Trial Court Employees and Interpreters